Global biodegradable plastic production and demand have grown rapidly in recent years, and the capacity reached 1-1.5 million t/a in 2012-2013. Among dozens of biodegradable plastic varieties developed so far, only plastarch material (PSM), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) have realized mass industrial production. In 2013, PSM, PLA and PBS accounted for 87% of the world's total capacity.

In 2013, demand from Europe and North America, the two main biodegradable plastic markets around the world, for biodegradable plastics accounted for 54% and 28%, respectively. Germany-based BASF, U.S.-based NatureWorks (Thailand's PTT Chemical paid US$150 million for a 50% stake in NatureWorks in December 2011), Italy's Novamont as well as the Netherlands-based Purac are the world's major suppliers of biodegradable plastics, with capacity of 140 kt/a, 140 kt/a, 80 kt/a, 80 kt/a, respectively.